Headstamp Codes

Codes are listed by number codes, then in alphabetical order from A to Z, followed by a list of suspect codes at the end.

*Note 1- Headstamps often contain multiple pieces of information. The maker
is almost always identified. Military ammunition usually includes date information,
and civilian ammunition often has caliber information. Sometimes dates are fairly
obvious (44 = 1944; 72 = 1972; 6 12 = June 1912, etc.). Sometimes the caliber
information is either spelled out or abbreviated (30-06; 38 SPL, etc.) and other
times, such as on German made DWM ammunition, a catalog number code is used
for the caliber. Sometimes information on the headstamp indicates the type of
load (VII Z on .303 British indicates Mark VII ball ammunition loaded with nitrocellulose
powder.) Sometimes markings are deliberately deceiving, as with some
.30 carbine ammunition ammunition marked LC 52, made by the Chinese, or .30-06
marked B N 4 40 made in the U.S., both probably intended to arm allies while
hiding their source of supplies. Sometimes the headstamp only indicates the
maker of the cartridge case, or distributor of the loaded cartridge, or the
using activity, not the actual "manufacturer" of a loaded cartridge.

Even collectors with years of experience and extensive reference libraries end up with a few cartridges they cannot identify, so don't feel bad if you cannot identify everything.

Code

Manufacturer(or in some cases the maker of the cartridge case, or
distributor of the loaded ammunition, or a using activity, or other meaning.
See Note 1 above *)

ofors Carl Gustaf AB, (Formerly FFV Förenede Fabriksverken), Vanäsverken, Karlsborg, Sweden (and since 1998, NAMMO Vanäsverken. Carl Gustaf name is no longer used, but "CG will continue to be used as a headstamp)

Unknown, made in one of the countries that use to be part of Yugoslavia

13

PM

Proffitt's Machining Inc., Greenback, TN

1

PMC

Poongsan Metal Manufacturing Company Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea (probably at the Angang Ammunition Plant). Note that the "M" is shaped like an upside "W"

1

PMC

Eldorado Cartridge Corporation (previously Patton and Morgan Corp., and Pan Metal Corp. ) PO Box 62508, Boulder City, NV 89006. The PMC headstamped ammunition for ECC has been made in Korea, the Philippines, Mexico and the Repuclic of South Africa.